Gordon appeals to public to understand Koko: 'Matinong tao 'yan, huwag pagpiyestahan'

Senator Richard Gordon on Friday appealed for public understanding over Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel's alleged breach of hospital protocols amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation.

"Kilala ko si Koko. Matinong tao 'yan, hindi salbahe yan, hindi nang-aabuso. Huwag naman nating pagpiyestahan," Gordon said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"Now is not the time na magsisihan tayo. I think nag-apologize na 'yung tao. Alam mo, bagong kasal 'yan at may anak siyang Cesarean ang mangyayari," he added.

Gordon, nevertheless, acknowledged that Pimentel, who tested positive for COVID-19, committed a mistake.

"Ang daming taong umiikot na mayroong ganiyan, hindi lang ho senador 'yan. Pero dapat talaga nagbigay siya ng magandang halimbawa," he said.

Pimentel said he accompanied his pregnant wife to Makati Medical Center on Tuesday night while his COVID-19 test result was still pending. He added that he immediately left the hospital upon learning via phone call from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine that he tested positive for the virus.

The management of the Makati Medical Center denounced the "reckless" action of the senator.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III agreed that Pimentel broke home quarantine protocols when he went to the hospital.

Pimentel has since apologized, saying he will answer in due time the possible legal complaints that may be filed against him. --KBK, GMA News